Springfield's Kevin Siegrist has 20 strikeouts against only three walks in 21 innings of work through the first month of the Texas League season. NEWS-LEADER FILE PHOTO

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In the celebration photo in which teammates encircle the 2012 Texas League championship banner, tall and lanky left-hander Kevin Siegrist is the one leaning over from the left, his right index finger giving the No. 1 sign.

Few knew it. But days before, in a season-ending exit interview, the Springfield Cardinals pitcher was told to do his homework this offseason. And the 6-foot-5 lefty did.

He took to the Internet and found video of Randy Johnson. You know, the 6-10 lefty who won 303 games in the big leagues? ...